Southern International University’s Assignment Dilemma
Prerequisite Conceptual Understanding
- • Jay Heizer, et al., “Chapter 14: Short-Term Scheduling”, Operations Management, 9th Edition, Pearson Education, 2008
Synopsis
This caselet facilitates understanding the concept and importance of assignment method with the backdrop of an assignment dilemma faced by Naveen Patnaik (Naveen), a doctoral research scholar, at Southern Internatinal University. The University, which was a reputed college in Texas, planned to conduct an international conference. As part of preparations for the conference, Naveen was made responsible for the publication activity. He had to arrange for the advertisements, brochures, logos, conference proceedings, etc. After required enquiries, he had to select the vendor from the four persons who would be cost-effective. After enquiries he found that each one of the four was an expert in one field. Naveen decided to assign one job to each one based on their expertise. He was wondering how to assign the jobs so that it would be costeffective as well as ontime.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this caselet discussion, students are expected to know:
- • The concept of Assignment Method
- • Applications of the assignment method for loading jobs or assigning people to projects
- • How to minimize cost using the assignment method
Assignment Questions
- I. What is Assignment Method?
- II. How to apply the assignment method for loading jobs or assigning people to projects?
- III. ..........
Teaching Plan
This Teaching Note follows a sequential order as presented in the Teaching Plan [Annexure (TN)-I].........
Exhibits
Exhibit (TN)-I: Computation using Assignment Method
Exhibit (TN)-II: Optimal Assignment using Assignment Method